Chelsea are hoping to avoid a points deduction in talks with the Premier League (Image: Getty)
are reportedly locked in talks with the over paying a settlement to avoid a points deduction.
The issue is not related to the ‘s profit and sustainability findings for 2023-24, whereby no clubs were understood to have been in breach.
Instead, the talks between the two parties relates to a historic matter which allegedly occurred during Roman Abramovich’s tenure at Stamford Bridge, according to . The issue was raised by ‘s owners following their takeover in May 2022.
The club are now holding discussions with the over a compromise, which would see them pay ‘a financial settlement’ rather than being handed a points deduction.
The launched a probe into allegations that irregular payments were made to facilitate Willian and Samuel Eto’o’s respective transfers from Anzhi Makhachkala in 2013.
Payments concerning Eden Hazard’s move from Lille a year earlier have also been brought to their attention.
In normal circumstances, clubs found to have made secret payments related to transfers would face tough punishments being handed down, with a heavy fine and points deduction an expected outcome.
However, ‘s current ownership, the BlueCo consortium, have argued that the alleged rule breaches took place under a different ownership over a decade ago ago.
The payments were allegedly made during Roman Abramovich’s tenure at Chelsea (Image: Getty)
It is also their apparent view that the payments would not have been highlighted or reported if it hadn’t have been for their due diligence process, which was carried out during the takeover.
The outcome of the negotiations is expected before the end of March, with the club ‘confident’ a positive conclusion can be reached.
The west London club concluded a similar case with UEFA in July 2023 after agreeing to pay £8.6m as a financial settlement to the European governing body.
The ‘s own rules also allow for a ‘sanction agreement’ to be handed down by its board and one of the 20 clubs providing it receives ratification from their Judicial Panel. While this can include points deductions, the report adds are ‘insistent’ on making a financial arrangement.
Chelsea co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali completed their takeover in May 2022 (Image: Getty)
Addressing in the investigation in August, Richard Masters, the ‘s chief executive, confirmed they were close to “reaching a conclusion” in their investigation.
“What we are talking about is something historic,” Masters added.
While ‘s investigation is not related to PSR, the issue could reignite grievances amongst other clubs in the top flight who have been hit with financial penalties and points deductions.
Everton and Nottingham Forest were deducted two and four points apiece respectively after they were found to have breached the £105million limit. Forest, who survived relegation after finishing 17th, are currently second and competing for a Champions League qualification place with .